Locke & Key: Issue #6: Welcome To Lovecraft by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

 

 

Wow, what an exciting read! There was so much action and tension. We learned about another key and it ended in a cliffhanger. I look forward to reading the Head Games issues.

Locke & Key: Issue #4: Welcome To Lovecraft by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

 

 This issue wasn't as exciting as other issues because it didn't center around Keyhouse nor the keys themselves. It did have important character development. It was still an enjoyable read.

Locke & Key: Issue #5: Welcome To Lovecraft by Joe Hill And Gabriel Rodriguez

       

I loved this issue! There was much more excitement and action! It ended on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next issue to find out what happened!

The Babysitter: My Summers With A Serial Killer by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan

 

  What an excellent true crime memoir! The author is to be applauded for her willingness to explore to the trauma she experienced during her childhood and to explore the gruesome crimes of Tony Costa.  I firmly believe that if Tony Costa hadn't been caught he would have kept murdering women.

Stranger Danger by Michaelbrent Collings

 

 Wow, this book is outstanding! I loved every minute of it and was delighted by the twists at the end. Read this novel to find out why Stranger Danger is the perfect title. You won't be disappointed.

The Art And Making Of The Handmaid's Tale by Insight Editions, Andrea Robinson

 

  This book is amazing! I loved the level of detail included, interviews with cast and crew as well as the beautiful photographs! I am a huge fan of The Handmaid's Tale. Reading this book made me even more mindful of the amount of work which goes into the making of this excellent series.

Wrong Alibi ( Murder in Alaska #1) by Christina Dodd

 

 What a thrilling and suspenseful story! I absolutely loved this book! I felt great sympathy for the main character. I enjoyed seeing her growth as the novel progressed. I was pleasantly surprised by the final outcome. I would love to read future entries in this exciting series!

Serial Killers At The Movies: My Intimate Talks with Mass Murders Who Became Stars of the Big Screen by Christopher Berry-Dee

 

  A fascinating exploration of the real life inspiration behind the portrayal of serial killers in the movies.  The reader learns about both well known and less known serial killers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

 

 I absolutely adored this book! The staff and patrons of the American Library in Paris became a family through shared hardships during the German occupation. I really liked that how the story jumped back and forth between Odile's life in Paris during WWII and her life in Montana during the early 80s. Odile's close friendship with Margaret in Paris was mirrored in her friendship with Lily in Montana. This book reminds the reader of how the relationships in our lives can help us persevere through hardship.

The Preserve by Ariel S. Winter

 

 I loved that there was a society where humans are the minority and ruled by a robot government. The preserves are areas where humans can live without being governed by robots. I didn't find the crime committed nor the investigation into the identity of the perpetrator very compelling. It was the friendship between Jesse and Kir which really held my interest.

The Project by Courtney Summers

  

What a thrilling read!  At first it seemed like this was a story only about two sisters trying to reconnect after years apart with the Unity Project just being in the background. The Unity Project plays a pivotal role in the book.  The twists were delightfully shocking.  I really enjoyed the ending.

The Mirror Man by Jane Gilmartin

 

 Wow, what an thrilling science fiction read! It was interesting to see how the author differentiated Jeremiah from his clone and Jeremiah's reaction to being part of the experiment. The action really ramps up in the second half of the novel. I loved the twists. I can't wait to read more books by this excellent author!

A Poisoned Mind by Andre Gonzalez

 

 The reader experiences the icy feeling of dread while reading this short story which takes place in The Exall universe. Andre Gonzalez never disappoints.

Tired ( So Very Tired): 100 Days To A Happier You By Watching Me Go Totally Insane by Michaelbrent Collings

 

 A fun short read that made me laugh. It was a welcome distraction from thinking about covid-19.

How A Woman Becomes A Lake by Marjorie Celona

 

 I loved this wonderful book!  I liked the intimacy of it being set in a small fishing town.  The characters are wonderfully complex.  The events on that fateful winter's day has far ranging repercussions for all of the characters. I was shocked when I found out what had actually happened. The ending was a nice  bookend to the story.

Confessions on the 7:45

 

I really enjoyed this intricately plotted thriller! The author's main characters were rich and complex. The story is relatable because it starts with an encounter on a train. The twists in this novel left me breathless.  I will definitely read more books by this intriguing author.

The Nesting by C.J. Cooke

 

 What an excellent gothic thriller!  The supernatural elements as well as the Nordic setting really helped infuse the book with a creepy atmosphere.  I felt great sympathy for Lexi, the main character.  The chapters which focused on the past really helped to better understand Aurelia and Tom's marriage.  I loved the ending! I would greatly enjoy reading further novels by this author.

Carbon( Book Two Of The Watcher Series) by AJ Eversley

 

 I loved this book! It was interesting to see how Sawyer was able to figure out what it means to be a carbon and finding out what happened to Kenzie after the events in book 1. The dynamic between Max and Sawyer in the first half of the book made me laugh. I look forward to reading the next installment in this imaginative and entertaining series.

Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

 

 This work of historical fiction was such a wonderful read! I was immediately swept up in Maria Owen's story. I loved the sections which read like a guidebook for the practice of magic as it allows the reader to become fully immersed in Maria Owen's world. The author was able to convey the horror of the Salem witch trials. I loved that there were so many strong female characters in this book.

Resurrection ( Amelia Doss Book# 1) by Audrey Brice and Andre Gonzalez

 

I really loved this paranormal slasher read!  Amelia Doss is  terrifying not only because of her psychosis but also due to her ability to hide.  This was a very visceral read.  The parts which delved into the mind of Amelia Doss were especially disturbing.  The small town with an infamous serial killer was reminiscent of Haddonfield from the Halloween movie franchise. I look forward to the next installment in this exciting series! 

Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp

 

 I really loved the setting of this novel as well as the diverse cast of main characters. The author is excellent at delving into the thoughts, motivations and emotions of her characters. The live action role playing aspect of the story was fun to read. The twist at the end was a wonderful surprise! I would definitely read more books by this excellent author!

You Are Invited: A Ghost Story by Sarah A. Denzil

 

I really loved the setting and the creepy atmosphere throughout the book. I liked how each character was nuanced and complex. The isolation of the monastery contrasted really well with the characters being watched through live streaming. The shocking twists throughout the story made the story even more engaging. I can't wait to read more titles by this excellent author!

Keeper of Time: Book Four Of The Wealth Of Time Series by Andre Gonzalez

 

 I really enjoyed reading about Chris's rise to the role of Keeper of Time. With each book Chris becomes even more twisted which is fun to read. I can vividly picture Chris' expression and behavior. Many of his antics make me laugh. It was a joy to pick up Martin's story. The book ended on a major cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book in this highly engaging and entertaining series!

Throwaway Girls by Andrea Contos

 

 I found the plot and characters in this story engaging. I loved how the main character went about getting all of the information she needed to solve the mystery. There was a big twist at the end that I never saw coming. The only thing that I found confusing was the main character went by a different name in some of the chapters. I assumed it was a completely different person. It wasn't clear to me what was going on until it was spelled near the end of the novel. I would would read more books by this author.

Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan

 

An excellent domestic thriller.  The characters feel very real and the plot was very plausible. I really enjoyed the insight into the minds of the two main characters. I loved the twists in the story. I look forward to reading more novels by this engaging author!

The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa

 

Wow, what an excellent read! There were so many times I was surprised while reading this book. When I thought I had figured everything out there were more layers of complexity. This was a very tightly plotted book. I would love to read more books by this wonderful author!

The Girls Weekend by Jody Gehrman

 

 I was drawn in from the first page. The dynamic between the main characters was made more complex due to their shared history. The twists in the story were shocking in the most delightful of ways. This won't be my last book by this wonderful author!

My Final Breath by Paige Dearth

 

 A heartbreaking and beautiful story. I was very moved by Molly's journey. I loved the vivid descriptions of Limbo. I have always enjoyed any of the books I have read by this author.

The Forest by Michaelbrent Collings

 

 I loved this crazy ride of novel! While reading this I felt as if I was lost in the forest along with the main characters. Collings' descriptive prose made this a very visceral read.  The complex ending was very satisfying because it added an additional layer to the story.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin

I absolutely adored this book! I loved that the podcasts episodes were included as separate chapters. The criminal trial was very explosive. Rachel's investigation was never boring as there was always a new facet to discover. The seaside setting really help set the tone for the novel. I can't wait to read more books by this excellent author!

Lies Lies Lies by Adele Parks

I really enjoyed the twists in this story.  This was a slow burn with more happening in the second half. My opinion of both main characters continually shifted while reading. The ending was very explosive and exciting! I would definitely read more books by this author!

The Safe Place by Anna Downes

What a thrilling read! Multiple narrators made the story even more captivating. There were many harrowing moments which had me on the edge of my seat. I would definitely read more books by this author!

Hurry Home by Roz Nay

Wow, what an excellent read with lots of twists! The complex dynamic between Ruth and Alex was fun to read. There were so many parts of the story which left me breathless with anticipation that I felt as if I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I will definitely read more books by this talented author!

The Long Walk by Stephen King(Writing as Richard Bachman)

Once again Stephen King did not disappoint!  All the characters were vivid and came alive! As I read each page I was wondering which walker would endure to the end. All the action was described with so much detail that I felt like I was a spectator following along with the walkers as they went from place to place.

I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick

Wow, what an excellent read! I loved all of the twists in this story! My opinions about the main character shifted throughout the story. I loved the setting and the mystery! I was especially shocked by the ending! I would definitely read more books by this author!

Blue Ticket by Sophie MacKintosh

I really loved this dystopian read!  The lack of control experienced by the women in this story reminded me of the plight of the women in The Handmaid's Tale.  In both stories the women's choices were taken away forcing them to conform to rules set by those in power.  I found the main character especially compelling . The ending was different than I was expecting but it made sense in relation to the story. I would definitely read more books by this excellent author!

Chosen Ones( The Chosen One Book #1) by Veronica Roth

I absolutely loved this book! I really liked Sloane's complexity and her relationships with the other chosen ones. The detailed and vivid descriptions included throughout the story were a treat to read. I really like how Roth included articles, interview transcripts and other materials because it enriched the story. There were twists that I would never have guessed and the action in the last half of the book was exciting. I can't wait to read book 2!

No One Saw (A.L McKittridge #2) by Beverly Long

A very slow read with not a lot of action until the end of the book. I liked the mystery and I love the characters which is why I'm giving it a 4 stars. I felt bogged down by reading all of the interviews with different persons of interest. It was somewhat difficult to keep track of everyone who was being interviewed. The resolution was satisfying. I would read another book in this series.

Hollywood Park: A Memoir by Mikel Jollett

I experienced many emotions while reading this excellent memoir.  It was hard to read of the trauma that the author and his brother experienced in childhood while living in Synanon and while living with their mother.  I am thankful  they had such a loving father and stepmother who were there to support and nurture them. That support allowed Mikel and his brother to overcome their shared past.

Followed East( Book 2 of The Exalls Attacks) by Andre Gonzalez

Wow, what a wild ride of a read! Gonzalez grabs the reader from page one and doesn't let go! I loved how book 2 picks up a few years after the events of book 1. I really enjoyed learning about The Crew as well as more about the Exalls. I found the main villain in this story very chilling. The cliffhanger ending makes me excited for the third and final book in this engrossing series.

Little Creeping Things by Chelsea Ichaso

 I really enjoyed this book. I really didn't know what to make of Cassidy at times but the ending definitely cleared up any confusion. There were so many surprises along the way. I really liked how the author allowed the reader to understand Cassidy's thought process.

Breath Like Water by Anna Jarzab

What an excellent and heartfelt read! I loved that the story centered on competitive swimming because I've always loved to swim! It was really interesting to be immersed in that world. I loved all of the characters in this book but especially Susannah and Harry! The emotional ups and downs of this story really moved me. I look forward to reading more books by this author!

Sister Dear by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Wow, what an excellent book!  Discovering the nuances of the characters was a joy. Each new path the story took left me breathless with anticipation. Everything was so well done and I never would have guessed the eventual outcome.  I can not say enough good things about this book!

Dancing With The Octopus: A Memoir of a Crime by Debora Harding

It was difficult to read Debora Harding's account of childhood abuse at the hands of her mother.  It was also emotional to read of her kidnapping and rape during her teens. The author's honesty in sharing the emotional and psychological aftermath of these events was very moving. It is very admirable how she has been able to deal with her past traumas.

This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf

I couldn't put this book down! I really like how how this moved between past and present.  I especially loved the friendship between Eve and Maggie as well as Maggie's relationship with her father.  The twists in this read were thrilling!  This is won't be my last book by Heather Gudenkauf!

The Brideship Wife by Leslie Howard

I absolutely adored this book! I had known nothing about British Brideships before reading this novel. I greatly admire the resilience and the tenacity of the main characters in this story. All that they overcame in order to make better lives for themselves.  Also the plight of  natives in British Columbia during that time was horrendous!  I really enjoyed reading the author's note at the end of the book.

Won't Get Fooled Again: A Graphic Guide To Fake News by Erin Steuter with Alan Spinney (illustrator)

A fascinating look at fake news and what to do in order to not get fooled by it. I really liked the graphic approach because it make it fun to read.

The Last High by Daniel Kalla

I devoured this book!! The story moved along quickly and I really liked the characters! I have visited Vancouver in the past so I recognized many of the locations described in the book. The author's use of multiple viewpoints allows the reader to have a greater understanding of the story's scope and impact.  This won't be my last book by Daniel Kalla!

My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

Wow, this book was quite a ride! The author really captured Abby and Gretchen's friendship as well as the 80s! I loved how the book was made to look like a high school yearbook even down to it being signed by friends and classmates! This is my first book by Grady Hendrix and it won't be my last!

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Wow, a roller coaster ride of a read! I really loved this book! I found Marin's story very compelling and there were many wonderful twists which took me by surprise! This won't be my last book by this author!